GCSE Art

Aims

At UCC students pursue AQA’s GCSE qualification in Art, Craft and Design. This multi-disciplinary course covers a wide range of skills and subject matters. Through set project briefs you will study drawing, painting, printmaking, art textiles, photography, mixed media and sculpture.

In Art you will be working very hard from the word go; developing your skills and building your coursework portfolio, which counts toward 60% of your final grade. You can expect at least one hour of homework every week, which will also be part of your overall grade. Expectations of students on this course are high and you will need to be aware that it is not an easy option. Research and development is a key part of the course, as well as diligence and resilience. 

GCSE Art, Craft and Design is an excellent opportunity for students who want to study in an art & design related field post 16, but also develops and nurtures valuable transferable skills for students who may choose other study or career pathways

Topics

Introduction to GCSE and Key Skills Workshops 
Component 1: 60%

Internally set projects: Students conduct two projects; the first is a more generic ‘Structures’ project and the second is an independently led project where students have a choice of five different starting points. These projects provide the main body of coursework

Component 2: 40%

Externally set project – as set by the exam board (AQA). This includes a 10-hour practical exam

Assessment

The coursework projects (component 1) are 60% of the total mark and the externally set project (component 2) is worth 40% of the total mark. The coursework comprises 1-2 units of work, which demonstrate the candidates’ investigative, recording and developmental skills, and results in one or more personal responses (final pieces). Component 2 requires candidates to produce one unit of work from conception to realisation over a fixed period of time. At the end of the allocated preparation time students create a personal response in a 10-hour exam to show how they have realised intentions.

To be Successful on this Course you will

• Have produced consistently good work at KS3 in Art

• Have good drawing ability

• Be enthusiastic about learning different areas of art, craft & design

• Be willing to make mistakes, learn from them and to turn them into exciting outcomes

Further Education and Career Opportunities

Art & Design GCSE is an ideal stepping stone towards an A level or BTEC diploma in art and design; leading to an array of exciting creative opportunities.

This is an accessible specification which aims to engage candidates, build their creative, innovative and artistic problem-solving skills and give them the confidence to proceed to further qualifications, such as GCSE art or BTEC equivalents. 

The final award outcomes are Entry Level 3 (highest), Entry Level 2 or Entry Level 1.
 

OCR Entry Level Art & Design

What is Entry Level Art and Design?

This is an accessible specification which aims to engage candidates, build their creative, innovative and artistic problem-solving skills and give them the confidence to proceed to further qualifications, such as GCSE art or BTEC equivalents.
The final award outcomes are Entry Level 3 (highest), Entry Level 2 or Entry Level 1.

Who should study Entry Level Art and Design?

This qualification is suitable for the following types of candidates:

• Candidates who enjoy working creatively and practically
• Candidates who might find completing a full GCSE challenging*

The Entry Level Certificate in Art and Design exists as a qualification in its own right, but it can also be used to build confidence within the subject and be the gateway to further qualifications. The qualification is linked to the GCSE (9–1) in Art and Design and would allow for a natural progression to a higher level of study.

 

What will you be doing in Entry Level Art and Design?

The course is designed to expose students to a range of skills to help them build their confidence, knowledge and understanding of the processes and techniques. For Year 10 students follow a broad topic which allows scope for investigation into a range of techniques and media. In Year 11 student begin the externally set task where they are able to select from a wide range of starting points and work independently.

How will we be assessed?

The Entry Level Certificate is made up of 100% internally assessed tasks that can be taken at any point during the course. They’re externally moderated by OCR. 

There are two areas of assessment:

• A portfolio (60% of the total Entry Level Certificate)

• An externally set task (40% of the total Entry Level Certificate)

The portfolio consists of a sustained project, theme or course of study. It may be presented in an appropriate format for this using, for example, annotated sketchbooks, mounted sheets, maquettes, prototypes, scale models or written work. The

Externally set task is a more sustained task, designed to give the learner experience of a GCSE (9–1) Art and Design project. OCR has produced a booklet of 25 themes, in order to offer candidates a variety of starting point to respond to.

Why study Art and Design?

Studying art can help students to become problem solvers and develop project managing skills. Whilst directly the subject can lead to a plethora of careers – including theatre, film, design, publications, a multitude of digital platforms, teaching to name a few - skills acquired whilst studying art can be transferred to a range of other professions where lateral thinking is a desirable and sought-after quality.

 

*Please ask for further details about course suitability.

In GCSE Business we find out about lots of different aspects of businesses and their day-to-day operation. What makes them a success or a failure? It’s aimed at anyone, whether you want to learn a trade, run your own business or be the CEO of a large company.